Chapter 172: Not you, Hyuga?

"Father, what's wrong?"

After the members of the Zhuan Qin clan left, several elders also departed in succession.

The elder patriarch called Ri Xiang Rizu over, and the two of them went to a quiet room.

"Regarding Zhuan Qin Xiaochun's sudden change of attitude, what do you think is the reason?"

Ri Xiang Rizu looked up at his father and felt no doubt at his words.

"Zhuan Qin Xiaochun probably isn't that kind-hearted to help us, and the matter concerning Ri Xiang Richa isn't that troublesome; it's just that those people in the clan refuse to bow to the Uchiha. If I send someone to speak privately with the Fifth Hokage, he shouldn't refuse."

Ri Xiang Richa fights for the Leaf Village; even during the Third Hokage's era, the redemption matter wouldn't be ignored, but the Fifth Hokage happens to be a Uchiha.

The Hyuga and the Uchiha are both prominent families of the Leaf Village, bloodline clans, and both are eye‑jutsu families, and they are not on good terms with each other.

If this had happened during the Third Hokage's era, they would have bowed and asked for help long ago.

But when facing Shisui Uchiha, they still want to struggle a bit more.

"Relations with the Uchiha should still be handled cautiously; as for Zhuan Qin Xiaochun, her purpose in coming to us is most likely to have us share the grudges of other clans with her."

"Grudges?"

Ri Xiang Rizu was puzzled, looking at his father without understanding his meaning.

The elder patriarch reminded, "The news coming from outside says that raising money from the various ninja clans is the method Zhuan Qin Xiaochun proposed. Do you think Zhuan Qin Xiaochun is that kind of person?"

"Demanding money from the various ninja clans will certainly offend them; the money obtained would go to the Leaf Village, to the Hokage. Zhuan Qin Xiaochun hasn't been targeted, so she should be grateful for the Third Hokage's past kindness to the Fifth Hokage. How could she possibly help the Fifth Hokage out of goodwill? There must be something we don't know."

The elder patriarch nodded, "For a young person like the Fifth Hokage to bring this up and still sound reasonable, Zhuan Qin Xiaochun certainly wouldn't be asking for trouble herself; I think she's doing it out of necessity."

Now that she comes to us, it must be to pull the Hyuga into sharing the ninja clans' grudges.

"Given that, why does father still agree with Zhuan Qin's suggestion?"

"No problem; tomorrow just remember never to speak first."

Zhuan Qin Xiaochun is still a consultant; let her take the lead, and with her at the forefront, the ninja clans' attention won't linger on the Hyuga.

Ri Xiang Rizu suddenly understood and nodded repeatedly.

The next day, representatives of each clan arrived at the appointed spot on time. Zhuan Qin Xiaochun looked at those guys keeping more than ten meters away from her, feeling furious yet helpless.

Although she remains a consultant, her status is at most that of a senior clan head, because Shisui will not let her mobilize the ANBU, nor allow her to command other Jonin through the Jonin squad.

"Consultant, the time's about right; let's start quickly," someone said, his tone very cold and disdainful.

Pulling out money outright, each clan voiced many complaints; they naturally showed no good attitude toward Zhuan Qin Xiaochun, the instigator.

Of course, they also knew that Shisui Uchiha must be playing some part, but the new Hokage had just taken office, youthful and reckless, and they understood his desire to act. As for such a damaging scheme, they didn't believe the Fifth Hokage could devise it; it was probably the work of Yan Shifan or Zhuan Qin Xiaochun.

But it was clear that, whoever proposed it, Zhuan Qin Xiaochun stood on the losers' side and bore the subsequent risk.

Zhuan Qin Xiaochun's face darkened, her anger hard to restrain, but she quickly told herself that times had changed and she had to endure.

"Since everyone is present, let's begin."

Zhuan Qin Xiaochun cleared her throat lightly, stepped forward and said, "The Fourth Raikage has led troops southward, the Rock Hidden Village in the west is stirring again, and the Leaf Village is in crisis. We need everyone's help. I have the Hokage's directive to summon you all, hoping to gather everyone's strength to help the Leaf Village get through this crisis."

Of course, this contribution is entirely voluntary; no one will be forced.

Zhuan Qin Xiaochun naturally didn't want to do much promotion; she went straight to the point. The others rolled their eyes at the words, gave no response, but also did not refuse.

Zhuan Qin Xiaochun had anticipated this and said directly, "Since none of you have objections, let's start right away."

After speaking, she looked at Ri Xiang Rizu and asked, "What does the Hyuga clan head think?"

Everyone's gaze instantly focused on Ri Xiang Rizu, their eyes carrying a hint of suspicion.

The Hyuga clan actually helping Zhuan Qin and the Uchiha? It's like seeing a ghost! Yet Ri Xiang Rizu said very calmly, "The Hyuga are also part of the Leaf Village; this matter is entirely at the discretion of the Zhuan Qin consultant."

Zhuan Qin Xiaochun twitched the corner of her eye; she wasn't asking whether the other side had opinions, but trying to get the other side to respond first.

But seeing Ri Xiang Rizu only moving his mouth and not his feet, she knew the matter wasn't that simple.

"Seems the Hyuga clan aren't all fools."

Zhuan Qin Xiaochun sighed; fortunately she hadn't expected much, so she wasn't disappointed.

She took out a pre‑prepared envelope; inside was not cash but a note that read ten million taels.

Zhuan Qin Xiaochun placed it on a tray in front of everyone, then recorded beside it: Zhuan Qin clan, ten million taels.

After writing, she looked again at Ri Xiang Rizu, her gaze flickering slightly.

In theory, Zhuan Qin Xiaochun's first donation as an agent is reasonable, but the second, if not from the Uchiha, should be from the Sarutobi; it definitely shouldn't fall to the Hyuga.

But Zhuan Qin Xiaochun had already cast an inquisitive glance, and everyone looked over; Ri Xiang Rizu thought briefly and looked at Uchiha Dahu.

Uchiha Dahu seemed oblivious, feeling around his own body as if something was missing.

Ri Xiang Rizu, seeing this, stepped forward under everyone's gaze and placed the prepared envelope on top.

He thought it would end there, but unexpectedly Zhuan Qin Xiaochun grabbed it, let out a cold laugh, tore it open in front of everyone, and recorded: "Hyuga clan, fifty million taels!"

Sss— Ri Xiang Rizu halted, turned sharply, and a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes.

The others were even more astonished; their looks at Ri Xiang Rizu contained shock and resentment.

"Not you, Hyuga?"

"We know you're a prestigious family, we know your house is wealthy, but is it necessary to give so much?"

"A ten‑to‑eight hundred‑million token would be enough; what does fifty million taels mean? If Hyuga Ri Xiang Richa is a branch family, being captured, would anyone even blink at that price?"

"Has the Hyuga clan's good times ended? Or have you compromised with the Uchiha?"

Everyone's breathing quickened slightly, very dissatisfied with the Hyuga clan's generosity.

At that moment, Uchiha Dahu finally found the letter on his person and hurried forward to place it on the tray.

"Uchiha, fifty million taels!"

Seeing this, everyone felt the letters in their chests heat up, and they quickly reached in to start slight manipulations.

In a short while, members of the Sarutobi clan also struggled forward to donate fifty million taels. The large and small ninja clans had to secretly adjust their contribution amounts, while their complaints toward the Hyuga and Zhuan Qin grew.

Among those present, no one—not even the Uchiha—could match Ri Xiang Rizu's gaze; he quickly sensed something was off. Seeing the scene, he knew exactly what was happening, that he had been trapped by Zhuan Qin Xiaochun, but it was too late, so he could only grit his teeth and stand aside.

The donations ended quickly, and even the Shikura clan sent people, though it was only a mere five million taels, better than nothing.

"Thank you all for your help; the Honorable Hokage has felt your love for the Village, and is deeply moved. He has urgently ordered that this donation be counted as a loan from the Village to everyone. You may receive a loan note, and when the Village's finances are ample, it will be repaid to you."

When the donations ended, Zhuan Ning Xiaochun intended to leave first to lower her presence, but the ANBU suddenly arrived and announced the Fifth Head's intention.

The crowd was stunned, then cheered, and the slight resentment toward the Fifth Head instantly faded.

They looked at the issued loan notes and even felt as if they had picked up tens of millions for free.

Only Zhuan Ning Xiaochun's face turned extremely sour; she surveyed the others' expressions, as if she didn't realize Shisui had done this on purpose.

"That wolf cub, what a damn sentiment, clearly just ran over to win hearts, and even stepped on my face!"

Although she schemed against Hyuga, Konoha also benefited; this donation will certainly be far larger than a normal one.

Shisui took the money and still expects these people to be grateful to him; this move truly disgusted Zhuan Ning Xiaochun.

However, those who were shortchanged by money also lessened their hatred toward Zhuan Ning and Hyuga; at least they have a loan note, so it's not entirely for nothing.

Zhuan Ning Xiaochun suddenly laughed at her own thoughts, as if she had to thank that wolf cub? "Hehe, thanks for the Fifth Head's kindness."

Inside the Hokage Building, looking at the obnoxious smiling face before her, Zhuan Ning Xiaochun's gaunt visage twisted beyond recognition, yet she still had to force a smile.

Seeing Zhuan Ning Xiaochun's obvious hatred yet forced compromise, Shisui inexplicably felt relieved.

Such a scene, the Uchiha have witnessed many times over the years; only before it was an Uchiha standing, now it is Zhuan Ning Xiaochun.

"The success of this fundraising is entirely thanks to the advisor's strong assistance, proving that the Zhuan Ning advisor's ability remains. In the future, Konoha's Finance Department affairs will rely on the Zhuan Ning advisor and the Mizukado advisor working together."

In the past, Zhuan Ning Xiaochun would have scoffed at the Finance Department's meager profits, but now the Medical Department has been targeted by Shisui, and Zhuan Ning Xiaochun knows the Zhuan Ning clan cannot retain much.

So she knows this cake is problematic yet has to take a bite; this counts as a covert split of money.

Moreover, the Finance Department handles so much money, and the profit is small precisely because the Third Head watches tightly, while Minato Menyan is more stable.

In her view, in the Finance Department, the bolder you are, the bigger the profit!

"Yes, Fifth Head."

With Minato Menyan's hesitant expression, Zhuan Ning Xiaochun accepted this 'reward' and then left together with him.

"Xiaochun."

Minato Menyan spoke, and Zhuan Ning Xiaochun naturally knew what he intended to say, cutting in: "I have my own limits and won't affect you."

She knows Minato Menyan's sudden support for Shisui must be because he was caught with some leverage; after the anger she calmed down, but now it's certainly not the time to discuss private matters with him.

But Minato Menyan still said, "The Fifth Head wouldn't be so kind; this Finance Department must have issues, you'd better retire early."

"No need for you to say more; I know the situation."

"."

The two part on bad terms and go their separate ways.

Inside the Hokage Building, Tuan Zang had not left yet; he stood there watching Shisui in silence.

Shisui glanced at him, suddenly recalling something, then said, "After this fundraising, Konoha finally has some money. I will process the Root's applications in due time, but..."

"Hm?"

Tuan Zang narrowed one eye; he knew it wasn't that simple.

"However, the Root's reputation is poor, and its purpose is to operate in darkness. Now even its headquarters has been exposed; in my view, it should change its name and find a new location."

Hearing this, Tuan Zang immediately replied, "I've long had a plan, just lacked money!"

"... That's good, Konoha's future still depends on a few advisors."

After Tuan Zang left, Shisui took out a letter that had just arrived this morning.

The letter was sent by Sima Yi, related to intelligence from Ziraike, but arrived a bit later.

Inside, Sima Yi expressed his views on the northern war and explained why Hyuga Nichisa was captured.

After reading it, Shisui felt embarrassed; he had been curious how someone like Hyuga Nichisa could be suddenly captured, especially with Ziraike present, only to learn it was a covert move orchestrated by Sima Yi.

Then, Sima Yi further explained in the letter the reasons for this action and offered some advice to Shisui regarding the upcoming changes in Konoha.

Shisui wants to enact change, but the Uchiha's power alone is far insufficient; he needs allies who can stand on the same front line.

Families like Hyuga, which are bloodline‑centric and not greatly at odds with Shisui's reforms, are most suitable; they are strong enough that if Hyuga sides with the Uchiha, the other clans will be easy to handle.

However, Hyuga and Uchiha have always been at odds; such a great clan, if not for profit, can only be indebted to them or be provoked into mistakes to obtain leverage, after which they can try to draw them closer.

After reading this, Shisui was suddenly enlightened, his heart racing with excitement.

"Grandfather may be far in the Land of Soup, yet his heart still lies here, truly..."

"Grandfather, rest assured, I won't disappoint you!"

After this period of learning about Konoha, Shisui now has a rough idea of its future development path.

"As for Hyuga, it seems we should take this chance to have a good talk with them."

Putting away the letter, there was also new progress on Yan Shifan's side.

"I've almost finished gathering information from the Police Department and internal clan affairs; with Sixteen Night absent from the clan and these people having no choice, we can begin a major restructuring of the Police Department's hierarchy.

Coincidentally, those ninja clans have amassed a lot of money; releasing some items should attract a portion in."

Shisui's face lit up with joy, "Thank you for your hard work, teacher; tonight we'll summon several squad leaders, discuss carefully, and begin action tomorrow."

"Very well."

(End of Chapter)